Zoology - Teacher Explanation

Welcome to Lesson 1.8 on Zoology, where we delve into the fascinating world of animals and their structures as outlined by the National Curriculum for Year 1. Pupils will learn to identify and name various common animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and extend this knowledge to include pets. The lesson also emphasises the importance of safety and hygiene, particularly when handling plant matter or soil, reminding pupils to wash their hands thoroughly post-activity. An exciting cross-curricular approach is taken, linking geography through the exploration of animal origins, mathematics through the creation of bar charts, and English via descriptive writing exercises.

The lesson begins with a hands-on class survey of pets, requiring A3 paper, markers, rulers, and coloured stickers or pencils to draw a graph and categorise the animals. This activity not only engages students in data collection but also introduces them to the classification of animals, such as mammals and reptiles. Following this, pupils create an informational poster about their favourite animal, encouraging research and artistic expression. The lesson continues with a variety of activities, including matching animal names to pictures, classifying animals into groups, and learning about British wildlife. An outdoor survey provides a practical experience of local habitats, while a research task expands their global awareness of animal geography. Lastly, an interactive guessing game reinforces their understanding of animal characteristics. These diverse tasks are designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience for the pupils.